The Helio Ocean marks a sea change in the evolution of MVNOs. Previously allotted for a limited demographic, the Ocean signals a significant market expansion for the cellco youngster Helio. Aimed directly at the Sidekick crowd, the Ocean could be poised to erode some of T-Mobile’s bountiful cache of hip youngsters with cash to liquidate for cool technologies.
Since it announced the Ocean back in March, Helio has been floating pretty on the buzz created by the new $295 device. It was a good position be in, but now with the device nearly released, it’s time to defuse the buzz and see how the device performs.
The Ocean washed up on our doorstep yesterday and I’ve been wading through it over the past 24 hours. Here are my thoughts:
The Ocean incorporates a two-way sliding mechanism that gives the devices the powers of both a phone keypad and a full QWERTY keyboard. The combination of the two adds to the device depth and mass that surpasses that of most typical phones. It’s not obtrusive or anything, it just has a healthy weight to it.
Its keyboard is the best I’ve yet seen on a device of this nature. The keys are adequately spaced so that even with my giant fingers, I could easily hit just one button. This is a problem I’ve experienced with practically every smartphone I’ve used. Everyone knows I love the Blackjack, but typing on it can be a nuisance due to the crowding on the keyboard. Not so with the Ocean. Well done.
From a feature perspective the Ocean holds much in common with its siblings Drift and Heat. The user interface is navigated through a circular design that places your contacts at the center (perhaps indicating that connecting people is at the center of this heliocentric universe). Notable amongst the features that carry over from previous Helio devices is its GPS functionality — a charge that Helio is leading strongly. And it runs quicker and better in the Ocean than in any of Helio’s previous devices.
GPS in phones is a brilliant addition. As the technology proliferates more widely, things like buddy beacons are going to become excellent methods of communication. Imagine being able to see where all of your friends are on a Saturday night. Furthermore, I expect locational comments to develop soon where people can leave messages pinned to specific GPS coordinates to communicate with future passersby. Cool stuff. I should also note that you can turn your beacon off so as to avoid any sort of Big Brother monitoring.
Many have complained that the Ocean lacks WiFi, but I find this to largely be a blank concern. Sure WiFi is fast, but EV-DO is more than passable for a device of this nature. Helio functions on the Sprint network and, as always, Sprint works well for wireless broadband.
It comes ready to support Yahoo! Messenger and AIM as well as Gmail and Windows Live email. Users can also setup additional email accounts quickly so that they’re never out of touch. It’s a dangerous road to venture down, but it’s a path we’re on for better or worse.
The main comparison here is going to be with the Sidekick. Danger has managed to wield a considerable crowd through the implementation of simple, yet feature rich, UI. The Sidekick is also about the size of my cat — and about as practical in a pocket. The Ocean is considerably smaller yet it still maintains all of the core features of the Sidekick and it manages to contribute a few of its own to the fray (like GPS).
I’ve never been a fan of the Sidekick because of its size, but I’m surrounded by people who adore it. I see in the Ocean what they’ve seen all along in the Sidekick. It’s a widely functional media device with massive hipster appeal. There is something decidedly cool about whipping it out in public and having people ogle from across the room. The experience is made even cooler by the fact that the device works immensely well — well enough that it’s just become my new personal phone.
first
Nice write up, I was going to get the Ocean anyway but this makes me want it right now. =)
first real comment
Looks cool. I dunno if I want it, but I loved my old Nokia 6800. I had that thing for two years and it never seemed out of date. Except it didn’t have a camera, but who cares?
you can see which phone I’m talking about here:
[html]http://www.nokiausa.com/phones/6800[/html]
oops, of well, the codes didn’t work…
Hey, like…how did you get it before it’s release??
The new Ocean’s launching tomorrow, and I came across a promotional code to save some serious green when you go to buy it.
==> $75 off the $295 pricetag
==> $30 Activation Fee waived
==> $25 off first four months of service ($100 total)
Go to the Helio website and use the promo code B2BDGOD
I’m anxious to trade-in my Heat, even though I just got it a couple months ago.
It’s one sweet phone BUT, should I keep my Blackjack and wait for the WM6 update or should I switch to Helio for the Ocean? Advice, please!
p.s. the Ocean makes my mouth water…
@Michael Stark: Where’d you get that code? Seems legit and it’s a better deal than the other ones I’ve seen so far.
“Sure WiFi is fast, but EV-DO is more than passable for a device of this nature.”
Yea, well I think people want it for use when EV-DO isnt an option, but whatev..:)
That is a good code – although I’m just tempted to use the Myspace promo and not get locked into a contract situation. There are just too many things on the horizon to have to deal with a 2yr contract. And theres always the amex $100 off and free bluetooth set code too… ugh
remember, if you know where all your friends are, THEY know where your freinds are…
@Michael Stark: Thanks for the Promo code. It helped out a lot.
I’m so excited! I have been anticipating this phone for so long and I’m so excited to get one! I haven’t even used this phone in person but all I hear is great things so I know that I wont be dissapointed!!
I get mine on Wednesday!! YEAH!!!
man the shipment on my pre-order from EB Games has been set from Wed. to Thursday or Friday, im getting pissed its only tuesday$!@$!#$
Why woudl anyone pre-order it from EB games when you can get it right from the site?
Theres Another Promotion Code From American Express
The American Express Promotional Code is AEXPOB
This Code Gives You
-$100 Off The Pricetag
-Free Samsung Bluetooth Mono Headset (Black), Original Price is $95
In Total A Saving Of $195
Can i still enter a promotional code after i ordered it already??
I believe you can only enter the promo code as you’re buying it … sorry
btw Im looking to order helio tomorrow so if anyone wants a free month plz msg me @ earLife on AIM and the first person will get a referral.
wat a cool phone so diff jst 2 refreashin………………………
how do you get the myspace promo code?
IM trying to convince my parents to lt m get a phone ((specifically
the ocean)) and this might help!
I just got my helio ocean and i wont give you my opinion on it because everyone opinion is different but i want to know any tip trick or mods you can do with it or direct me to a website were i could learn this. (for example to find tip, tricks and mods for a razor is vxxxstuff.com and to find tip, tricks and mods for any sidekick is hiptop.com and hiptop3.com and to find tip, tricks and mods for a nextel phone is nextelmodz.com)
The new Ocean, and I came across a promotional code to save some serious $$$ when you go to buy it.
==> $75 off the $295 pricetag
==> $30 Activation Fee waived
==> $25 off first four months of service ($100 total)
==> 1 Month free TV service($5.99)
Go to the Helio website and use the promo code B2APOD
I cant wait to trade-in my Heat, even though I just got it a couple months ago.
Looks like a great phone. Where can I see one in person before I buy it. These promo codes seem to sign you up for a 24 month service agreement. If you read the contract, you are subject to all the usual phone company crap. they can change the service at will any time, they can transfer your service to another company at anytime, and unlimited means they have a reasonable limit.
I bought the Ocean and used for about a week before I decided it just wouldn’t work for me. The hardware is cool, but the software isn’t.
The web browser doesn’t render pages the way IE or Safari does on other mobile devices, and there’s no stylus or pointing device so site navigation is crude at best. I also couldn’t find software to sync my Microsoft Outlook with the phone.
The thing that really frosts me, though, is that Helio made my life hell when I tried to return the Ocean. It took over a week and several phone calls to both Sprint and Helio before they would finally port my phone number back to Sprint. The fact that they use these kinds of hard-ball tactics, makes me feel good about my decision to not have them as my wireless carrier for the next two years. I advise anyone considering an Ocean to think about whether this phone really meets their needs for the next two years.
HEY I JUST GOT MY HELIO SERVICE IF ANYONE WANTS TO GET A FREE MONTH AND SAY U REFERED ME LET ME KNOW JUST GOT IT YESTERDAY…
I can tell you anything you wanna know about helio. I work for helio and i can tell you how to get the best out of your service. Current promotion $100 off any device by paying w/ a Visa or American Express!!! It’s that simple. Yep you heard me, $100 off new member price! If you pay with a Visa, you get a free 1 gig patriot memory card for addl space for all your downloads and pictures FREE or if you pay with an American Express you can get a free bluetooth headset FREE!! Your choice just choose your method of payment.And if you dont have a credit card or debit card, no problem. Just hit up your nearest drug store like CVS, Rite Aid, or Walgreens and purrchase a prepaid one. Get this these cards are reloadable and you can use them anywhere on anything. just make sure it has a visa logo or an american express and you can save!! That means the OCEAN will be $195, the DRIFT $45, and the HEAT FREE!!! Yup that right FREE. Just give me a call at 1-888-88-HELIO(43546) ext-78953 and ask for Tasha and I can help you with any questions you may have and even set you up with the $100 off. The other Promos work too! so if you see one dont be afraid to use it!!!
If anyone has any promo codes, I could really use them.
I have a question….So if you use your visa u get 100$’s off right?? So how about with the promo codes? Do you get 100$’s off plus 75$’s if u use a promo code??…Ummm do u get a better deal by going to a helio store (Santa Monica, CA) or ordering it online?
ok where do you enter the promo code because ive been there 100 times trying to find it (im not slow)
hey where do you put in the promo code???
yay i found it thanks alot for the promo codes
they helped i used the two menchined up there and they put the price at $195 so yay but i have to pay with and American express now oh well.
With the new Ocean, and I came across a promotional code to save some serious $$$ when you go to buy it.
==> $75 off the $295 pricetag
==> $30 Activation Fee waived
==> $25 off first four months of service ($100 total)
==> 1 Month free TV service($5.99)
Go to the Helio website and use the promo code *** B2APOD ****
I used this Promo Code this morning and my Ocean is on its way finally.. I am so so so EXCITED… This phone seems to be really cool, especially since you can browse YouTube & Myspace and it has Push E-Mail… Its all I need in a phone… Goodbye Heat!!!!
Thanks for this site!
hifue.info
Hey, I have sprint service and i have six months left, do you think they will let me switch to helio with out paying a cancellation fee??? Any help you can give would be great thanx
I just used this link, and got the Ocean for $147.50 (50% off) Waive Activation Fee and $10 off monthly Plan ($65 – $10/month).
http://www.helio.com/page?a=promo_redir&pcode=H426008CGMBK&rp=join&device=oceanblack
I guess the promotion code used in the link should work in the shopping cart as well. It is H426008CGMBK
hi! just an update on PROMO CODE “B2APOD”…IT IS ACTUALLY B2BAPOD–THINK B2B…THERE MAY BE MORE CODES OUT THERE IF YOU LOOK! ENJOY YOUR HELIO’S…LJ
I love you guys for those promo codes.
Saved the freakin’ day.
I could afford the entire thing with one paycheck. xD
can u use the promo codes in the store
Jose — thanks so much. Best deal I have seen on the Ocean and I have been looking for weeks. Just ordered….can’t wait to get my hands on it.
I second that – thanks Jose!!!!
Yeah, that code Jose gives is a lifesaver. Thanks a lot man.
Wow Jose!!!!
Are you serious?
The discount doesnt display the 10 dollars off the monthly fee!!
Is that discount accurate?
where can you buy 1 of these phones in England?? :S:S please will someone tell me hehe thankyou xxxxx
You can’t. It runs on a US network only. Sorry.
Hey guys!
You guys rock!
I will keep checking here often, because I so want a helio!
Thanks Jose!
I actually saw someone trying to sell this promo code on ebay a few days ago.
Feel bad for anyone gullable enough to pay for it :-)
Thanks so much Jose! That promo code is awesome! I just used it to order my Ocean, and I can’t wait for it to get here! :D
Do you have to order the Ocean online? I thought you could buy it from F.Y.E.
The Ocean is online only currently. Heat and Drift are available at FYE.
Ordering my Ocean next weekend. Looking forward to it.
No, Ocean is not only online. I walked into an FYE yesterday and they had it. (Except they had to show it to me from behind the counter because little kids kept breaking the display ones, hahah
http://www.finawireless.com/ has the Ocean on sale for $195, with a free bluetooth headset. The best part is that they also have a promo for the unlimited all-in plan. Regular price is $145, their price is $99/month for your full 2 year contract. Offer expires 7/31.